Summary Tradisional | Subjectivity in Contemporary Society

Contextualization

Subjectivity refers to the one-of-a-kind way in which each individual understands, interprets, and navigates the world around them. In today's society, subjectivity is a dynamic concept shaped by a variety of external and internal influences, including culture, media, digital technologies, personal relationships, and life experiences. These diverse factors influence how individuals view themselves and others, leading to perceptions and behaviours that can vary widely from one person to the next.

In particular, social media plays a crucial role in shaping subjectivity. The constant exposure to curated and often unrealistic content can significantly affect young people's self-image and self-esteem, prompting them to compare their everyday lives to the polished portrayals of others. This highlights how external influences like media and technology profoundly impact how individuals construct their own subjectivities, underscoring the need for a critical lens regarding these influences.

To Remember!

Concept of Subjectivity

Subjectivity is the distinct and personal way of perceiving, interpreting, and making sense of the world. Every individual has a unique subjectivity informed by their personal experiences, beliefs, values, and emotions. This individual framework significantly shapes each person's perceptions and behaviours.

In the context of contemporary society, various external factors—like culture, media, and digital technologies—impact subjectivity. These influences determine how individuals view themselves and their surroundings. For instance, exposure to certain cultural benchmarks can greatly influence people’s self-image and overall self-worth.

Moreover, internal factors such as personal experiences and emotions also shape subjectivity. Everyone interprets their life experiences in their unique way, which contributes to developing a distinct subjectivity. This continuous and evolving nature of subjectivity is crucial for understanding human behaviour in today's world.

• Subjectivity is the individual way of perceiving the world.

• It is shaped by both external factors (culture, media, technology) and internal aspects (personal experiences, emotions).

• Both external and internal influences work together in the ongoing construction of subjectivity.

Influence of Culture and Media

Culture lays down a framework of norms and values that direct individuals' behaviours and perceptions. These norms and values are communicated through media, which plays an essential role in shaping subjectivity. Through movies, TV shows, advertisements, and social media, the media spreads cultural values that directly affect how people perceive themselves and others.

Media often showcases certain ideals of beauty, success, and behaviour as aspirational, which can cause individuals to internalize these ideals and modify their self-image accordingly. For example, the portrayal of slim and athletic bodies as the beauty standard can impact the self-perception and self-esteem of those who don't conform to this ideal.

Additionally, the media can reinforce stereotypes and biases, shaping how individuals view various social groups. Though this influence might be subtle, it can significantly affect the development of subjectivity and interpersonal interactions.

• Culture establishes norms and values that dictate behaviours and perceptions.

• The media disseminates cultural values, thereby influencing subjectivity.

• Standards of beauty and behaviour promoted by the media can affect self-image and self-esteem.

Impact of Social Media

Social media has a major impact on how subjectivity is formed in today's society. Continuous access to idealized and filtered content can shape how individuals perceive themselves and others. Social media frequently showcases polished versions of people's lives, leading individuals to juxtapose their real experiences with these unrealistic portrayals.

This environment of constant comparison can result in distorted self-perception and lower self-esteem, especially among youth. For instance, the use of filters on social media can establish unrealistic expectations regarding appearance, making individuals feel inadequate or dissatisfied with their own looks. Furthermore, the quest for validation through likes and comments can skew how individuals gauge their own worth.

Social media also alters interpersonal relationships. The way people engage and communicate online can differ vastly from face-to-face interactions, influencing how they perceive and form their relationships. This effect of social media on subjectivity emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a critical and conscious outlook on the use of these platforms.

• Social media promotes idealized narratives of individuals' lives.

• Continual comparison can distort self-perception and lead to lower self-esteem.

• The pursuit of validation through likes and comments shapes perceptions of self-worth.

Related Philosophical Theories

Various philosophical theories tackle the topic of subjectivity and its influences. Michel Foucault, for instance, argues that power dynamics are present in all social interactions and are instrumental in shaping individual subjectivities. Foucault asserts that institutions such as schools, hospitals, and media exercise power by defining norms and behaviour standards, affecting how individuals view and behave.

On the flip side, Jean-Paul Sartre discusses the link between existence and essence, claiming that existence precedes essence. According to Sartre, individuals have the freedom to create their own essences through their choices and actions. Nonetheless, this freedom carries responsibility, as each decision contributes to the formation of subjectivity.

These philosophical frameworks provide insights into how subjectivity is influenced in contemporary society. Foucault illuminates how power and social norms shape individual perceptions, while Sartre underscores the significance of personal choices in developing subjectivity. Familiarizing oneself with these theories encourages critical evaluation of external and internal influences affecting subjectivity.

• Michel Foucault: Power is present in all social interactions and shapes subjectivity.

• Jean-Paul Sartre: Existence takes precedence over essence; personal choices play a role in shaping subjectivity.

• Philosophical theories elucidate the factors in the development of subjectivity.

Key Terms

• Subjectivity: The unique and individual way of understanding and interpreting the world.

• Culture: A collection of norms and values that guide behaviours and perceptions.

• Media: Channels of communication that disseminate cultural values.

• Social Media: Digital platforms that facilitate interactions and promote idealized content.

• Self-image: The perception individuals have of themselves.

• Self-esteem: The appraisal each person makes regarding their own worth.

• Michel Foucault: Philosopher who explores the connection between power and subjectivity.

• Jean-Paul Sartre: Philosopher who examines the relationship between existence and essence.

Important Conclusions

The discussion on subjectivity in contemporary society illuminated how both external and internal factors shape individual perceptions. Culture and media wield significant power as they propagate norms and values that can influence self-image and self-esteem. Social media, in particular, showcases idealized content that can distort views of self-worth, particularly among the youth.

The relevance of philosophical theories proposed by Michel Foucault and Jean-Paul Sartre in understanding subjectivity was also highlighted. Foucault illustrated how power dynamics and societal norms affect individual perception, while Sartre pointed out the freedom and accountability associated with personal decisions in constructing subjectivity. These insights encourage critical reflection on the external influences we encounter and the necessity of self-awareness.

Grasping the nuances of subjectivity is essential for understanding human behaviour in today's world. This knowledge empowers students to cultivate a critical perspective on the various influences that shape their perceptions and actions, fostering greater self-awareness and reflection on their personal experiences and daily choices.

Study Tips

• Review the philosophical theories of Michel Foucault and Jean-Paul Sartre to deepen your understanding of subjectivity.

• Critically assess the impact of social media on your self-image and self-esteem, seeking practical examples from your own life.

• Explore articles and watch videos concerning the effects of culture and media on the development of subjectivity to enrich your classroom learning.